This blog is part of my studies at Southeastern University

Archive for October, 2011

I didn’t realize that the search results that show up on Google were different from one person to the next. I think that it would be nice to have the choice to opt out of various search filters, but at the same time, I appreciate the time saved from sifting through information that doesn’t interest me.

Who should decide what is considered culturally broad in search results? What if it offends someone? Should we negate facts based on their ability to offend?

What did you think about this video? What concerns arise for you personally? It’s important to start deciding which lines we don’t want crossed by the media, because they are pushing the limits. We need to be prepared to say yes or no when necessary.

I’m a senior at Southeastern University, which is quite a feat. Not many people seem to last all four years as a traditional student, full-time. How did I do it? Here’s my top 10 list on how to succeed at this wonderful university:

9. Don’t Over-do It
Learn how to say no. It’s hard enough to balance schoolwork with your social life, so be careful when adding on extra responsibilities such as a job, a volunteer project, or an extracurricular activity.

8. Find a Professor Mentor
When the tough times take hold (and at some point they will), you will need someone experienced to talk to. Find a professor who will give you advice on how to succeed in your current situation and even the future.

7. Take Initiative
Even if you don’t have much experience, join academically-based on-campus groups (SIFE, SEU Publications, Theatre). Through this you will be able to gain confidence in your abilities, learn skills from upperclassmen, and meet people who you will be in classes with for the rest of college.

Tuscana Ristorante: Not As Good As Mom’s Cooking

6. Don’t Need It, Don’t Buy It.
Not having money is a terrible feeling. Therefore, if you really don’t need it, don’t waste your money. Shampoo and toothpaste are far more important that that DVD that just came out, and I learned that the hard way.

5. Make Chartwells Work For You.
During my first year at Southeastern, I read a great article in the Southeastern Times on how to bring a little spice to your cafeteria experience. The article inspired me to get creative! Spaghetti and meatball day getting a little lackluster? How about taking some meatballs and sauce, then using those to create a toasted meatball sub at the sandwich line. Add some flair by sprinkling on a little cheese from the salad bar. The combinations are endless.

Chicken and Waffles: It’s Better Than You Think

4. Find a Church.
A church gives you the opportunity to serve others, which is what Jesus called us to do. In addition, church can give you a sense of family, which you may be missing out on if you’re an Ohioan like me.

3. Work First, Play Later
One problem I always face is that I’d much rather have fun with my friends than do my schoolwork. For example, I’ll play volleyball in the Student Activity Center until close, then I’ll be invited to grab some chicken and waffles at IHOP afterward. Once the fun starts, it doesn’t stop until your head hits the pillow. And if your friends are persuasive like mine are, it’ll be hard to say no. Therefore, make sure you get your work done before you start socializing.

2. Quiet Time Is Crucial
There is always something happening on campus, from concerts to study sessions to sporting events; however, make sure you plan in some time to take a step back from all the chaos to reflect on your calling and walk with Christ.

1. Go To Chapel!
Unless your parents forced you, you came to Southeastern University for a reason, and that reason was because you wanted to grow in your relationship with Christ. Traditionally, each student must attend 35 services a semester, so why waste hundreds of dollars in missed chapel fines when you have a priceless opportunity to let passionate men and women of God speak into your life. It’s common sense.

“Staying in contact with friends isn’t what it used to be a few years ago. We have so many new options. I’m in the 18-24 range, and I find it hard to imagine staying so well connected with my friends without social media.”

“Thank you for this post! As a PR student graduating next semester, I’m curious to know what employers really want in a new hire. This article is very helpful. I plan on sharing this with my friends. Thank you.”

Amazing sunsets, UGGs, North Face jackets, bone-warming tea. Fall is starting to tease us. My advice is to take advantage of the beautiful weather during this time of year before it gets hot again. Florida weather if unpredictable, but I’m going to enjoy every opportunity to wear boots and scarves this year!

Some of my friends aren’t big fans of TOMS, while others are over-the-top enthusiastic about the brand. I’ve heard that some people don’t care for the original style of TOMS, so for those people, I give the option of the wedge. These cuties are about the same price as a classic pair of TOMS, but might be a little more tailored for said potential customers. Give it a shot.

One of the really neat group activities they did at Catalyst included using some ring flashlights. They put rings with miniature flashlights on them inside our conference bags. When Catalyst started, they put instructions for the crowd on the screen for everyone to follow. It worked really well. They turned off the lights and had everyone waving in the same direction, making a circle with the flashlight, etc. That might sound really simple or uneventful, but when you have 13,000 people doing it at the same time without any other source of light in the arena, it looks pretty cool!

Catalyst was amazing! I didn’t even know what it was until some athletes came back from it last fall and started talking about it. I’m so thankful that I was able to go this year. Some of my favorite speakers included Francis Chan and Jim Collins. I felt like I was pounded for two straight days with really valuable information. I really hope I get to go back again, even though this was my senior year.